When I think of Holistic Health, I see it as the connection of the mind, body, and soul where everything is functioning at their very best. "With Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being, and everyday choices are used to take charge of one's own health," states the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA).

The world of alternative therapies is incorporated for both prevention and treatment. One such therapy that continues to become more in the mainstream is colon hydrotherapy, otherwise known as colonics and colonic irrigation. This is the process of gently instilling a soothing flow of purified water into the colon through a disposable rectal nozzle to cleanse (evacuate) the contents of the large intestine stimulating the colon's natural peristaltic action. The process is done by a certified practitioner who massages the abdomen to aid the cleanse.

The theory of autointoxication is that undigested food causes mucus buildup in the colon. This buildup produces toxins, the theory goes, which enter the blood's circulation, poisoning the body.

Even though colonic irrigation dates back to ancient times, the process enjoys widespread popularity in the alternative medicine community, while being viewed with considerable skepticism by the conventional medical community. While the jury is still out on this intimate procedure, there are avid cleansers and those who cringe at the idea of having anything enter an exit.

All of the above continue seeking answers to determine the benefits and risks.

Potential Benefits:

improving mental clarity

improving the immune system

losing weight

increasing energy level

reducing headaches

reducing the risk of colon cancer

cleansing medium for preparing patients for colonoscopies and other surgeries

According to the Colon Therapists Network (CTN), many doctors are now embracing colonic irrigation as an adjunct to their traditional medical treatments, or as part of an overall regiment of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

"Colon hydrotherapy is a much better way of getting the human colon ready for an operation (colon cancer, colon diverticulitis, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, and numbers of other internal organ health problems) than having a patient swallow a gallon of that usual pre-surgery solution known as ‘Colon-Go-Lytely.' Instead, colon hydrotherapy has the patient avoid this solution's noxious side effects of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and other troubles," Gastrointestinal Surgeon Dr. Leonard Smith says.

Dr. Smith expresses, "my recommendation for cancer patients is that they should undergo frequent colon hydrotherapy procedures to make sure a colon's toxic burden is being kept at a minimum while their bodies are trying to heal. While not a substitute for eating a high fiber diet, those cancer patients who take colon hydrotherapy often experience the elimination of their aches and pains, improvement of appetite, and they tolerate a tough healing process better." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms colorectal cancer as one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S, particularly in men.

CTN states, the average person, who is neither overweight nor suffers from allergies may have up to 10 - 25 lbs of dried fecal matter in their colon and as those toxins accumulate they become responsible for the many imbalances in the body. Virtually all weight challenges can be traced to an imbalance in the colon/digestive tract. A classic sign of colon toxicity in women, and one of their most common complaints about their lack of energy originates from their ‘potbelly', or distended abdomen.

Potential Risks:

perforation of the colon wall

dehydration and salt depletion due to disruption of electrolyte balance

reduction of good bacteria

• excessive cleansing can lead to anemia, malnutrition and heart failure

There seem to have been several trends that combined to marginalize colonic irrigation. The first was a change in philosophy in the medical profession, towards relying more on drug therapy and less on various types of physical therapies. The second was a political reaction against lay practitioners, "quacks," distinguished by their excessive claims and aggressive marketing practices (in contrast to the orthodox medical shunning of advertising). The third was a lack of scientific evidence for the efficacy of colonics which was concluded in A Review of the Historical Controversy and the Potential Adverse Effects of Colonic Irrigation.

When speaking about detoxification, Dr. Michael Picco, M.D., explains that there is no evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Most ingested toxins are efficiently and effectively removed by the kidneys and liver and excreted in urine and stool.

Avoid colon irrigations, if you have:

diverticulitis

ulcerative colitis

Crohn's disease

severe or internal hemorrhoids

tumors in your rectum or colon

recent bowel surgery, unless your health care provider says it's OK

• heart disease or kidney disease

It's always a good idea to talk with your primary health care provider before starting a new practice, including colonics. If you do decide to move forward, check out the International Association For Colon Hydrotherapy to find a certified practitioner. Please note that most current colon hydrotherapy equipment is safe and registered with FDA.

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